ESTATE LIVING
SAILING THE NILE AND BEYOND
From mega-ships to boutique adventures
PLANT UP A STORM
How to turn your outdoor space into a green haven
STILL COOKING
Reuben Riffel reflects, refines and reimagines flavour at 50
RECIPES FOR A
HAPPY LIFE
Professional chefs, like Reuben Riffel who is on our cover, spend their entire lives guring out how to coax new avours from familiar ingredients. Imagine cooking every single day, often in high-stress environments and with paying guests on the receiving end of your labours: either you innovate or you get bored.
Never mind where his ability to cook up a storm comes from, Riffel has been astonishing South African diners for a few decades now, and he’s still happy – and at peace – in the kitchen. While he’s known for his food, his restaurants, his associations with spices and for having shaken up Mzansi’s culinary landscape, in our interview with him he shares his perspective on nding a new outlook on life in his 50 th year.
Riffel doesn’t get bored because he is constantly reimagining avours, textures and recipes. He is also guring out how to do more with less, to simplify, and to share his love of food with others. It helps that he is constantly searching for ways to ll his cup, add to his knowledge base and continue growing and learning, no matter how much experience and knowledge he already has.
In this issue, we not only get a measure of Riffel’s calm, measured approach to life in the fast lane, but we also take a look at ways of lling your leisure time productively, including some fresh ideas about how to transform your outdoors spaces into green oases by planting up a storm ( page 16).
In our travel section ( page 6), we set sail, not only on the seven seas, but also on that most vaunted of waterways, the Nile. We also look at a few ways cruising is evolving as some ships get larger and others turn to niche destinations for adventure seekers.
We’re cognisant, too, of anxieties around wealth and the value of money in uncertain times. In our reader-friendly nance section ( page 10 ), we focus on offshore investing as an opportunity to spread those nest eggs around a bit. We also take a slightly
tongue-in-cheek look at estate living ( page 14), speci cally the outlandish promises of estate agents and their advertisers, to discover what’s worth investigating before laying down a deposit.
Red wine is on the rise, again, and on page 19 we look at why in this year of a major Pinotage anniversary, such compelling experiments in blending are adding depth to the local wine industry. And, nally, on page 20 we have a few tips about how to dip into the fun, but sometimes tense world of art auctions, without freaking out and dropping cash on work nobody actually wants.
Happy reading – and remember to try to keep trying out new recipes and to never stop experimenting with unfamiliar ingredients.
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CCOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE
Mzansi cheffing
icon Reuben
Riffel says maturity brings confidence – and plenty of new reasons to get out of bed in the morning.
By BIANCA COLEMAN
hef Reuben Riffel, who has a long and storied career that has by no means peaked nor shown any signs of tapering off, turned 50 at the end of 2024. He has some thoughts on what this stage of his life means to him.
“Well, it nds me at a place where I still have much to do and still feel inspired and energised by what is out there for the taking,” he says. “I’m surrounded by young energetic colleagues, so professionally there is more I want to achieve, but I also feel a sense of accomplishment. That feeling, though, is quickly replaced with ‘what more can I do?’
“Personally, I’m blessed with a beautiful family. Two young kids, Latika and Max, who have taken centre stage with my wife Maryke. I guess the elusiveness of nding that perfect balance between family and work life has become more of a reality through trial and error over time.
“I DON’T JUMP OUT OF BED WITH THE INTENTION TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD, BUT I DO KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO GET ME IN THE RIGHT SPACE TO TAKE ON THE DAY. SO, IT’S PRAYER, GYM AND A GOOD COFFEE.” – REUBEN RIFFEL
“Other than that, you do eventually end up with the right number and quality of friends, which helps. I’m reluctant to use the word ‘content’ but I do dip in and out of contentment now and then, yes.”
Then there is the glorious freedom and the excitement of shedding anxiety to do things you might have hesitated to do before…you
especially learn to stop worrying about what people are going to say as you pursue your ideas: “My wishes and plans are not grandiose,” says Riffel. “I have an interest in getting a product line going. I’m not keen on the same-old, same-old – that’s what held me back before, but I think we have a good plan going forward.”
He hints, too, that he’s interested in working on slightly more offbeat, fanciful, experimental venues. “We need more quirky wine bars and the like,” he says, adding that he’s keen to join forces with other creative entrepreneurs. “I have an interest in plants, vinyl, wine and food, and would like to collaborate to bring those together successfully. And, a little restaurant by the coast serving just the bounty from the ocean.”
In a world focused so much on youth, the bene ts of growing older – or, better put, maturing – are too easily overlooked. For example, decision-making becomes easier, says Riffel. “Acknowledgement of mistakes for me is easier, especially professionally. Trusting your own decisions and listening to that voice in your head has become easier.”
In the past, Riffel says he suffered from “too much anxiety” and was too accepting of other people’s plans for him. “A healthy amount of anxiety is good, I would say, and it helps me to get things done. I’ve learned how to harness that, I guess. I now make my own plans and prefer to do things that I believe in more than before.”
Reuben’s, one of the chef’s four restaurants, has been around for 21 years. Through all the challenges and ups and downs, he says his establishments “are now stronger and better positioned to grow”. The difference, though, is that now that growth is “on our terms”.
He says, too, that there’s an emotional connection that gets stronger over time. “When you have these dishes we created over the years that people still refer to or that you still have on your menu and people still crave and come for, it really makes you feel proud.”
Right now, Riffel is working with a resort in Mauritius, consulting and collaborating as well as rebranding some of its in-house restaurants. You can have goals at any age and for Riffel, it’s a desire to be better at baking and better at making low- or no-sugar desserts. “I love desserts but the sugar, not so much,” he beams. Ultimately, though, what really gets Riffel out of bed in the morning? “Our dog Lewis!” he says. “I don’t jump out of bed with the intention to take over the world, but I do know what it takes to get me in the right space to take on the day. So, it’s prayer, gym and a good coffee.”
A CRUISE FOR EVERY MOOD
From river cruises of a romantic ilk to time aboard a new breed of gigantic “icon class” ships shared with 8 000 fellow passengers, leisure cruises have never been more in demand – nor quite so capable of helping you seek out adventure. By
KEITH BAIN
Nothing could have prepared me for it: the ease, the joy, the ever-changing views and the cool, soothing headwind. Not only was there that feeling of starring in my very own version of Titanic (sans glacier), lazing on a sun lounger as the proverbial seas (or rather, river) parted before me as we went through the lock, but also a sensation of travelling across time, getting glimpses of Egypt as it was thousands of years ago.
I had no idea that any mode of travel could be capable of stirring such deep emotion. Truly, my whole being shifted as I lazed on the top deck of that 50-cabin cruise ship while we sailed down the Nile from the ancient city of Aswan to another ancient capital, Luxor, where King Tut’s tomb is located.
Both cities are chock-full of monuments, temples, tombs and thrilling experiences such as hot-air ballooning over Luxor and the Valley of the Kings at the crack of dawn. Even before the journey began, we’d joined a side excursion on a felucca, a large wind-powered sailboat, that took us upstream, passing, among other things, the luxury hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile, and stopping at a beach where we swam in the river.
We also visited a Nubian household where there was dancing and raucous folk music and
scenes of bucolic calm, children waving from the backs of donkeys and trains racing past in the opposite direction. The only hardship was waking up one morning at 2am for the four-hour bus ride to the remote lake-edge temple complex of Abu Simbel, truly among the world’s wonders – getting there, though, was a reminder that going anywhere by ship is simply more comfortable.
I call it a ship, but perhaps “large boat” is a more accurate description. It seemed the sort of size that would suit a oating casino – everything you could possibly require was available except, instead of blackjack tables and slot machines, there was a huge dining room, an elegant bar-cum-lounge, a jewellery boutique and a spa. On the upper deck (where I spent so many memorable hours loa ng in the sun watching the passing scenery) were some small pools, various tanning areas and a bar where afternoon tea was served daily.
FREE TO BE
The wonderful thing about setting sail aboard a large boat or ship is the absolute lack of bother. You make sure you board on time, settle into your cabin, and then for the duration of your time as a passenger you are pretty much free to be on holiday – no planning, no panicking about scoring reservations at
restaurants, no hotels to be booked. And –perhaps best of all – no hassle arranging and negotiating transport between lodgings, getting to and from airports – none of that toil that so often transforms a vacation into a chore. Since my three-night cruise was part of a longer tour (with South African-born Expat Tours) taking in Egypt’s highlights in the company of the world’s most patient and accommodating Egyptologist, nothing needed to be planned at all. This, I quickly realised, is surely the way to travel.
While travelling between ports, instead of waiting in queues at the airport or being bored in traf c, you can carry on enjoying yourself. A cruise means having all those conveniences you frequently forgo when you’re living from one hotel to the next: you feel at home, with hassle-free dining, a gym, peaceful nooks to escape to, shopping options, multiple bars, your bed for catching up on sleep day or night, and nightly after-dinner entertainment.
AN ONGOING EVOLUTION
Don’t think, however, that all cruises (or cruise ships) are created equal. Cruising has evolved and diversi ed. Nowadays, there are waterborne adventures to suit just about any desire, need, interest, mood, style or age of traveller. And, just as there are numerous cruising options on the
Nile, there’s an almost limitless variety of ways to sail the seven seas. Round-the-world cruises, themed oceangoing expeditions, Arctic voyages, missions to Antarctica, sunshine-chasing trips between tropical isles – all sorts of boat journeys for travels that really don’t make sense if undertaken by land or air.
In Norway, for example, Havila Voyages has ships that sail speci cally to see the Northern Lights from the water. The bonus is that you also get to explore indescribably pristine places like Nærøyfjord and the emerald green waters of Geirangerfjord, where you see the famed Seven Sisters waterfalls.
Fjords aren’t exclusive to Norway, either. There are similarly magical cruises that take you up close to the coastline of New Zealand’s South Island, where few things on Earth compare with cruising through Fiordland National Park, full of craggy mountains, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and simply scintillating scenery as you ply such waterways as the Unesco World Heritage-listed Milford Sound, which Rudyard Kipling called “the eighth wonder of the world”, Dusky Sound, one of the country’s largest fjords, and the serene and untouched Doubtful Sound, frequently referred to as the “Sound of Silence” because it’s so exquisitely peaceful.
Another cruise takes in the humungous glaciers and gorgeous mountains and lakes of Chile’s fjords. Combined with a crossing of the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, or even a trip to see the in nite whiteness of Antarctica with up-close excursions on in atable rubber ducks, such cruises are the stuff of every adventurer’s dreams.
SIZE MATTERS
Then again, there are also oodles of cabins for travellers who love socialising and want to be among the crowds.
Launched last year, the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, built to the tune of $2-billion, has been such a hit that Royal Caribbean, the company that owns it, has another behemoth-sized 250 800-tonne ship currently under construction in Finland. Icon’s sibling, Star of the Seas, will also have 20 decks and be able to carry almost 8 000 passengers. It’s set to launch on 31 August, so if you’re up for an oceangoing ride of your life aboard a vessel with eight “neighbourhoods”, six water slides, seven swimming pools and more than forty dining, drinking and entertainment venues, you know where to look.
A CRUISE MEANS HAVING ALL THOSE CONVENIENCES YOU FREQUENTLY FORGO WHEN YOU’RE LIVING FROM ONE HOTEL TO THE NEXT.
EXCLUSIVITY MATTERS
With over 25 years of experience, Cruise Options specialises in the more exclusive cruise lines with ships accommodating between 100 and 700 guests.
Its expertise is rooted in a deep passion for cruising and an understanding of its unparalleled charm. Driven by a legacy of excellence and a keen understanding of luxury and expedition cruising, Cruise Options is the epitome of expert advice and impeccable service.
Whether you’re seeking adventures in new destinations or yearn for a serene escape aboard a luxury liner, Cruise Options finds cruises that resonate with each traveller’s unique desires.
Its portfolio includes expedition-style trips aboard vessels with as few as 22 guests – and no more than 260: whether for a trip to Antarctica or a cruise through the far-away Galápagos archipelago, Jann Porter and her specialist team will help intrepid travellers book the holiday of a lifetime.
There’s also the option of joining Porter for one of her quintessential small-group accompanied voyages. Her travel style emphasises individual exploration, yet is enriched with camaraderie and over the years, many have formed lasting friendships.
Her accompanied trips for the coming year include a two-week cruise around the rugged coast of Labrador, embarking in Reykjavik and sailing to St. John’s, in September. In November, Porter will take a small group to see emperor penguins (and other wildlife) in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica on an ice breaker expedition. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to explore the polar regions and incredible to join her on a voyage of discovery.
And, closer to home, Porter will, in February 2026, explore East Africa’s Spice Islands and Seychelles with Abercrombie & Kent’s faultless expedition team.
As with all of these prized cruises, space is limited, so contact Cruise Options for a journey that’s beyond the ordinary: 021 434 9394 or jann@cruiseoptions.co.za
INVESTING OFFSHORE: A WEALTH OF POSSIBILITIES
South Africa is, on many metrics, a marvellous place to live – if you have money. If you can hold onto that money. If you can leverage it wisely to maintain your quality of life. In ation may be relatively low at present, but a glance at the last 10 years shows how mercurial it can be, while our currency is notoriously changeable. Political uncertainty and socioeconomic instability don’t help either.
For all these reasons and more, many South Africans are thinking about how to invest some of their hard-earned moola offshore, says Guané Coetzer, offshore specialist at Allan Gray. “First of all, we have a very small market in South Africa relative to what’s available globally. Investing offshore grants access to industries, companies and economies that aren’t available to us here in South Africa.”
Johann Rossouw, associate nancial advisor at Fiscal. “You can convert your rands to forex and then buy shares, bonds, whatever your chosen instrument. Or you can go through feeder exchangetraded funds (ETFs) or unit trust investments. In this way, you invest in rands, and then the company or instrument you invest in takes your money offshore. This is a cheaper way of getting offshore exposure without the rigmarole of exchanging currency and applying for tax clearance.”
exchange up to R11-million into foreign currency per year,” says Coetzer. “The rst R1-million – referred to as a single discretionary allowance, or travel allowance as it’s more commonly known –doesn’t require tax clearance.”
However, it’s important to bear in mind that online shopping from overseas stores, travel, investing and any other transactions that involve moving money out of the country all come out of that allowance.
TAXING QUESTIONS
Then there are tax and inheritance considerations. When you decide to withdraw from a mutual fund in which you have invested, you must pay capital gains tax on the growth of that investment. “This is calculated according to your marginal tax rate,” says Coetzer. “That can be as high as forty- ve per cent, which translates to eighteen per cent capital gains tax.”
However, in these turbulent times, Coetzer says people also want to mitigate political and economic risk in South Africa. “We have an extremely volatile currency too, and we’ve seen over the long term that the rand tends to depreciate against the dollar, so investing offshore can help hedge against that and maintain your purchasing power.”
THE ABCs OF ETFs
Wall Street is a long way from home, so how do you go about actually investing overseas? There are two primary ways of doing this, explains
What makes this option even more attractive, says Rossouw, is how the ETF market has expanded massively. “There are indices that track the whole world – such as the MSCI All Country Index, for example. However, I always recommend keeping things simple. Don’t have a range of ETFs, but rather try to keep your investments concise and aligned with your nancial goals.”
YOUR ALLOWANCE
There is, unsurprisingly, a limit to how much you can invest offshore. For most people, this won’t be much of an issue, however.
“The South African Reserve Bank allows all South Africans over the age of 18 to
Coetzer says for clients in high tax brackets, Allan Gray Life offers an offshore endowment, which has a foreign branch domiciled in Guernsey. “That means that an individual investing in this product will pay a at rate of thirty per cent on income, which equals twelve per cent capital gains tax, so the client is not taxed in their own right.”
When it comes to your estate, Rossouw notes that if you invest directly in foreign assets, you may need a foreign will to deal with these upon your death and inheritance tax may also be applied. However, if those investments are made indirectly through a South African fund, then this is not required. Ultimately, when it comes to offshore investments, caution and planning are key. “Don’t go completely overboard and get one hundred per cent offshore exposure if you’re planning to live and retire in South Africa,” Rossouw warns, with a wink.
“INVESTING OFFSHORE GRANTS ACCESS TO INDUSTRIES, COMPANIES AND ECONOMIES THAT AREN’T AVAILABLE TO US HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA.”
– GUANÉ COETZER
The ins and outs of investing outside South Africa. By ANTHONY SHARPE
Guané Coetzer
Johann Rossouw
OFFSHORE EXPOSURE ESSENTIAL, BUT NOT WITHOUT STRATEGY
Demand for direct offshore investments remains high with both individual and professional investors continuing to increase their exposure to offshore investments, says Trevor John, Head of Sales and Distribution for OLD MUTUAL INTERNATIONAL
Despite the volatility experienced over the past few months, since Donald Trump took of ce in the United States, the ongoing unrest in the Middle East and the seemingly never-ending war in the Ukraine, global markets have continued to provide growth for South African investors.
Over the past ve years, in hard currency terms the S&P 500 has returned 16.4 per cent*, the FTSE 100 has returned 12.0 per cent* and the Eurostoxx 50 14.7 per cent*. Even after the fateful “Liberation Day”, where the S&P 500 fell nearly 11 per cent over two days, markets have recovered most of those losses, reminding investors to look to the long term and not short-term distractions.
ADVICE FOR INVESTORS
Given the decent returns currently being produced by offshore markets, head of sales and distribution at Old Mutual International Trevor John believes investors should have at least 30 per cent exposure of their investable assets offshore, whether it be direct offshore if they can afford it or via a rand-denominated fund.
Investors who try to time the market or only invest heavily when the rand gets stronger tend to miss the upswing of the market as this has often correlated to a devaluing of the rand. If, according to the investor’s nancial plan, they need to diversify to offshore markets, they must take action to diversify. Trying to time when the rand is at the right level or when markets appear cheap will only lead to delay and regret.
Importantly, from that time on, investors need to value the investment in the currency in which they have invested. If they’ve chosen US dollars, then growth needs to be measured in US dollars.
Constantly rebasing the investment into rand at every twist and turn of our highly traded currency results in frustration and potential knee-jerk decisions to encash.
For investors who have never had offshore exposure before, the options available to them depend on their situation. For instance, are they still carrying debt? Are their tax affairs up to date and do they have enough capital to take money directly offshore?
Once these questions have been addressed and some discretionary money remains, offshore becomes an appealing option.
While the diversi cation of assets remains the main strategic reason for offshore investment, says John, from a South African perspective, investors are investing in more stable economies for better returns, a wider choice of investment options, plus as a currency hedge. “For instance, if you wanted to invest in the Pharmaceutical Sector on the FTSE/JSE; your options are limited to three companies, Aspen, Ascendis and Adcock Ingram. However, within global markets, you have a selection of over 60 pharmaceutical companies, and that’s just on the London Stock Exchange. Your investment universe increases exponentially, on top of which, you can hedge against the volatility of the rand.”
When looking to make an offshore investment, John says investors essentially have two options. “They can invest directly or via a rand-denominated offshore fund or what we would call an asset swap fund. Investing directly offshore may seem like the simplest method; this option requires tax clearance and various other forms of approval, making it a slightly more onerous process. However, if the investor chooses this option, their investment proceeds will be available to them
offshore in a currency and jurisdiction chosen by them.
Those investors eager to explore their offshore options should consider more than just returns. In addition to potential returns, the various investment structures available, such as Old Mutual International’s Investment Portfolio+, a life wrapper that provides high-net-worth investors with a wide range of investment options, from direct funds and stock broking to bene cial tax rates and better estate planning outcomes, to name a few.
If an investor with offshore assets was to pass away, there may be consequences of not having an offshore will. This is where an adviser can add great value in determining which vehicle would be best for each speci c client, based on their nancial position and requirements.
“In times like these, the role of an astute nancial adviser who provides guidance to clients is of the utmost importance. A good nancial adviser will guide clients to the asset managers and portfolio managers who can nd pockets of value and, if possible, limit downside or incorporate protection where required,” concludes John.
If you want to know more about how Old Mutual International can help you take your money offshore, please visit www.omi-int.com or contact ominternationalservice@omwealth.co.za
*Annualised to 30 May 2025
Trevor John
FROM QUARRY TO SMART VILLAGE
DEVONBOSCH is not the typical new build rising from pristine farmland or rolling vineyards. Instead, this project embraces the idea of taking a reclaimed parcel of land – a former quarry – and breathing fresh life into it
What sets Devonbosch apart from the many other luxury lifestyle estates in the Cape Winelands is it’s siting on reclaimed land. Rather than seeing swaths of farmland sacri ced for development, Devonbosch has rehabilitated a quarry, turning it into something bene cial for the community, environment and economy. This ensures the thoughtfully designed development doesn’t come at the expense of virgin land. Instead, it revitalises a once-scarred landscape, aligning strongly with sustainability principles and the United Nations’ sustainability goals, which encourage responsible consumption of materials, carbon footprint reduction and the protection of natural habitats.
The emphasis on sustainability starts, literally, from the ground up. A local brick factory –Cabrico, founded by the Capri family in 1992 – stands nearby as a living testament to the area’s industrial past and its environmentally conscious future. Cabrico produces the clay bricks used across the development, meaning no lengthy transportation distances. That single fact cuts down on carbon emissions, fosters local industry and underscores the commitment to using resources already present in the Bottelary Valley.
A SUSTAINABLE, SAFE AND SMART CITY
smart city. Secure but open, technologically adept but ecologically conscientious, Devonbosch hits that sweet spot for a growing population that wants the best of both worlds: the rural idyll with mountain views, farmland vistas, a sense of community and the connectivity, services and infrastructure that make modern living less of a hassle.
Here, a thoughtful blend of modern urban design, architectural innovation and sustainability has come together with clarity. The designers’ intent is clear: to foster a pedestrian-centric lifestyle that encourages movement, outdoor activity and social interaction, all while offering the convenience of modern urban living. The pedestrian-focused walkways, the easy access to coffee shops, restaurants and future expansions, such as the medical hub and sports facilities, create an environment where each day promises discovery and ease.
architecture along Alberto Drive uses practical strategies for reducing environmental impact: four-metre-high retail oors that help with passive cooling and heating, double-glazed windows that lock in or block out heat as needed, and carefully designed internal gardens that temper the environment for residents and visitors. These elements nod to the broader sustainability movement. Fewer mechanical heating and cooling demands mean lower electricity usage, reduced costs over the life of the building and a gentler footprint on the planet.
At the same time, the buildings are undeniably contemporary. They house everything from residential apartments to commercial of ces and retail outlets, evincing an ethos of mixed-use urbanity. This diversity of purpose, combined with accessible transport routes, helps reduce the need for long commutes, further lowering the carbon footprint. For those travelling in from afar, the Winelands Airport is just a quick hop away. You can also reach the N1 within minutes, facilitating easy movement between Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch or wherever business or leisure might beckon. Security is top-notch. Visitors and residents enter under the watchful eyes of trained security teams who guide them to their destinations. The approach is subtle: controlling access to of ces and residential areas with state-of-the-art systems while leaving retail and public spaces open and welcoming. It’s a delicate balance that fosters trust and invites daily life to ow seamlessly.
Devonbosch is rethinking what it means to develop responsibly in the Cape Winelands. It underscores that “luxury” can be about more than lavish interiors and exclusive addresses. It can also mean convenience, connectivity, safety, environmental respect and a commitment to the wellbeing of the broader community.
To nd out more about Devonbosch, please visit www.devonbosch.co.za
The concept of a “smart city” or “smart town” weaves its way through the entire scheme. The ideas that underscore it, connectivity, innovation, environmental stewardship and convenience, are in line with what de nes a VISIT WEBSITE
Walking through Devonbosch or driving down Alberto Drive, you experience a synergy of practicality, aesthetics and innovation. The
SCAN
THE (E)STATE I’M IN
Eagle-eyed and unapologetically no nonsense, BIANCA COLEMAN does not beat around the bush. This is why we asked her to scout around for tips to help you spot the good and bad when it comes to choosing an estate that’s right for you
When deciding which lifestyle estate or gated community is best for you, be sure to check whether it is “nestled” or not. Of the 14 featured on a website, which we will not name and shame, seven are described as “nestling” somewhere or other, from the luxurious V&A Waterfront to Lansdowne.
To anyone with an astute understanding of the English language, lifestyle estates do not “nestle”. That’s an inappropriate word used by overeager marketers. Or, more likely, by some verbose form of generative arti cial intelligence (AI). If the word “nestled” conjures images of ourishing gardens and heavenly outdoor spaces, you may be disappointed when you arrive for a peek at the property thus described.
On the same website is this gem: “On occasion, a development comes around that emerges from the rest. Not just for the manner by which it leaves its blemish on the horizon, yet in addition for the intense proclamation it makes about where a rural area is going.” They, or probably AI, are talking about Observatory. For non-Capetonians, this southern suburb hasn’t been rural since before the 1820s.
If anything, this can be a lesson to not believe everything you see on the internet and to dig more deeply when researching whether this signi cant property investment is right for you.
THERE ARE ESTATES, AND THEN THERE ARE HOUSING SCHEMES
Not all lifestyle estates are created equal. Some can be as simple as a cluster of houses surrounded by enhanced security, like perimeter fencing, controlled access points and security personnel. Then there are those that have all that, plus a range of amenities that can provide everything a reasonable person could want or need – on their doorstep.
Some might nd a gated security estate restrictive, and there’s usually a Home Owners’ Association dishing out rules and regulations about what owers you can plant. However, if a sense of close community is what you’re after, this is where you’ll nd it. A bit like living in a small village in the country where everyone knows everyone.
Let’s look at some of the highest-rated estates in the country, starting with Steyn City in Gauteng, which has an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a lagoon, a 5km mountain bike trail, a restaurant, shops, an actual hotel, racquet sports, an equestrian
centre, 2 000 acres of parkland, a gym, a spa and a school. And a helipad, naturally. Apartments and stands are available and a retirement village is open for reservations. To be part of this, it will cost you anywhere from R16.5-million to more than R30-million for a house, while vacant land can range from R2.9-million to over R25-million. Apartment rentals can range from R13 000 per month for a one-bedroom unit to R96 700 per month for a four-bedroom duplex.
Over in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Zimbali Estate is not only residential, but also home to two hotels: Zimbali Lodge and The Capital Zimbali. This means restaurants, water frolicking at the Valley of the Pools and a country club with a golf course.
Land or property within Zimbali Estate ranges from about R2.7-million to R38-million. Houses, in a unique Afro-Balinese architectural style or modern homes embodying the latest trends in design and sustainability, range from R7.5-million for three-bedroom townhouses to R14.5-million or more for larger, luxurious homes.
These are all well-established estates that could be out of reach for some buyers. If these are but a dream, look out for new developments as a starting point.
GET IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR
“Purchasing property in the early phases of a development offers nancial, personal and lifestyle advantages that late buyers miss out on,” says Reece Daniel, developer of Serenity Hills, an eco-focused estate on the KZN South Coast. “For young professionals looking to enter the property market, buying off-plan can be a more nancially sound investment, while families and retirees enjoy the option of customising the home to their unique needs. However, no matter your phase of life or reasons for buying, those who buy early in a new and reputable development bene t from long-term nancial gain.”
It’s never too soon to start planning for a safe and secure future. Just don’t be duped into buying simply because a place claims to be “nestled”.
“PURCHASING PROPERTY IN THE EARLY PHASES OF A DEVELOPMENT OFFERS FINANCIAL, PERSONAL AND LIFESTYLE ADVANTAGES THAT LATE BUYERS MISS OUT ON.” – REECE DANIEL
IMAGES: STEYN CITY
How does your garden grow?
We can’t live without plants, so why not learn to live with them in a beautiful garden? BIANCA COLEMAN reveals how
Unless you are traumatised from Little Shop Of Horrors, you should be lling your life and your surroundings with plants. Maybe not carnivorous ones, although they do have their supporters, but certainly lots of leafy greens – both for decoration and aesthetic appeal, and on your plate.
Among the current indoor-outdoor gardening trends is edible landscaping. This is what you’d expect from the name: a combination of edible plants, such as fruit, veggies and herbs, with ornamental plants for show. Achieve the look and function with raised beds and borders of colourful owers surrounding trailing strawberries or cherry tomatoes.
PLANTS ARE FUSSY
At this point, you should note that gardening is complicated. You can’t just ing things into the dirt. Plants are incredibly dif cult to please all the time – they want shade, they want sunlight, lots of water, very little water – very few garden spaces can provide all of this on demand. A garden that is sunny in summer could be in the shade for most of winter. It makes growing spring bulbs like freesias, hyacinths, lilies and tulips a bit of a bother. Forget those, they should have been in pots by May anyway. There’s still time for gladioli, liatris and dahlias in August or September.
There are two ways to achieve a beautiful garden: do it yourself, and be prepared for lots of hard work, an aching back, and not a little
heartbreak (the reward of everything ourishing is the big payoff), or employ landscaping professionals who will take care of everything, while you recline on a lounger.
The successful edible landscape will incorporate thoughtful design and structure,
PLANTS ARE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO PLEASE ALL THE TIME – THEY WANT SHADE, THEY WANT SUNLIGHT, LOTS OF WATER, VERY LITTLE WATER – VERY FEW GARDEN SPACES CAN PROVIDE ALL OF THIS ON DEMAND.
with layering of plants from canopy trees to medium-sized plants like artichokes in the middle and low-lying herbs at the bottom as ground cover. Your choice of plants is critical in this setting, dependent on what wants the sun and what will be happy without. No point in putting tomatoes under that shade. If you’re doing this yourself, your local nursery is your best friend for advice.
If you’re horticulturally challenged, seek out tough plants that are hard to kill, as well as succulents, which are very forgiving. They also work well for an eco-friendly and water-wise garden. Minimal effort, big result. Most of them ower too, even spekboom, which not many people know.
Including owers like nasturtiums and marigolds in an edible garden is a power move; nasturtiums literally only have to be planted once. Here you can actually throw the seeds into the dirt and, in the true spirit of a weed, they will grow out of control, ower in winter, then die off. Yank out all the dead brown bits, then just sit back and wait for next year. You will never be rid of them.
SMALL SPACE, BIG REWARD
We can’t all be Martha Stewart or have her dedication to her decades-old garden, which is more like a park than anything else. Your own outside patch could be small or large, but even limited space like apartment dwellers’ balconies, atriums or courtyards can become lush oases: vertical gardening remains a top trend for maximising space without sacri cing style. Also, there are no lawns to be mown.
An emerging and welcome trend is a garden inspired by natural landscapes, with wild ower meadows and native grasses to attract bees and butter ies, thus enhancing biodiversity while reducing maintenance.
A vertical garden involves a frame and shelves made of rot-resistant wood, potting soil and your selection of plants – owers, herbs and vegetables are all good, but again, consider the environmental aspects and what they need. You can plant directly into the shelves or keep the plants in individual pots.
If all else fails, visit public gardens, perhaps for inspiration or simply to enjoy and marvel at them. The New York Times compiled a list of 25 gardens around the world you need to visit before you die. Each one is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and Cape Town’s very own Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is featured. From the article: “While native gardening has only recently become mainstream in the United States, the concept is nothing new in South Africa. Case in point: this botanical garden in the Western Cape province,
the rst of its kind in the world dedicated entirely to indigenous ora, which was established over a century ago in 1913.”
That alone should motivate you to at least give your own garden a go, although –to drive home the point – the Times continues in a similarly gushing optimistic vein: “The 1 305-acre public space showcases more than 7 000 species, with high priority given to the singular fynbos biome, which is found almost exclusively in the country’s Western Cape region and includes stiff, structured proteas, shaggy, owering Ericas and tufted, reedlike plants called restios. There’s also a robust collection of spiky cycads, a type of seed plant some believe predates the dinosaurs, and visitors might also spot local fauna, including brilliantly coloured sunbirds – which resemble hummingbirds – owls and wildcats.”
Bottom line: if you simply cannot, in any way, shape or form, create your own garden, at least you have Kirstenbosch.
AN EMERGING AND WELCOME TREND IS A GARDEN INSPIRED BY NATURAL LANDSCAPES WITH WILDFLOWER MEADOWS AND NATIVE GRASSES TO
ATTRACT BEES AND BUTTERFLIES, THUS ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY WHILE REDUCING MAINTENANCE.
The wine industry this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of Pinotage, South Africa’s most famous red. While it’s been a century since it was rst cultivated as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (at the time, Cinsaut was known as “Hermitage” in South Africa, hence the name), “in many ways, Pinotage is still in its infancy,” says Izele van Blerk, winemaker of KWV The Mentors. “There’s so much more to understand about how it behaves in different regions, in the cellar, and how it evolves over time. That sense of discovery is what drives me.”
“THE REST OF THE WORLD SHOULD BE A LITTLE SCARED OF WHAT SOUTH AFRICA HAS TO OFFER WITH REGARDS TO RED WINES.”
– MICHELLE ERASMUS
While Pinotage is uniquely South African, there are countless other local reds in the market, which are consistently raking in the accolades and international awards.
“I think the rest of the world should be a little scared of what South Africa has to offer with regards to red wines,” says award-winning La Colombe head sommelier Michelle Erasmus. “We are in this unique position where we are making excellent
Unrivalled reds
Pinotage celebrates a century, and that’s only the beginning of a red revival writes BIANCA COLEMAN
examples in all red wine styles –from light to full-bodied wines. We can rival Burgundy with Pinot Noirs from Hemel-en-Aarde, and give Napa a run for its money with our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends from Stellenbosch.
“Then, of course, we have producers who are incredibly curious about the lesser known terroirs around the Western Cape,” she says. “I applaud their commitment to developing these regions while simultaneously producing incredible wines worthy of international recognition – producers like Wolf & Woman Wines for New Wave Pinotage from the Swartland, Kruger Family Wines for high-altitude Syrah from Sutherland, and one of my current favourites, Hogan Carignan from Wellington.”
IMPASSIONED WINE MAKERS, ICONIC WINE
Izele van Blerk
She adds: “What makes South Africa so unique in the world of wine isn’t just the diversity in our culture, but in our soils, microclimates and grape varieties, and in the commitment of our winemakers.”
Apart from the diversity of terri c terroirs, South Africa’s great reds are also made possible thanks to some incredibly talented winemakers. What’s consistently in evidence are the attitudes of these men and women towards discovery and exploration.
“I’m genuinely so excited about South African red wine right now,” says van Blerk. “Especially the premium and ultra-premium expressions coming out of the country.” She says this is true of all red varietals because “the wine industry has ne-tuned the necessity of site-speci c wines and the individual styles consumers are after”.
South African red wines are renowned for their distinctive character, blending rustic and robust avours and offering exceptional value. From the world-renowned Helderberg region of Stellenbosch comes an award-winning range of wines named after South African golf legend Ernie Els, and skilfully crafted by winemaking legend Louis Strydom. Epitomising the beloved character and celebrated prestige of its sports star namesake, the four collections – Signature (Cape Bordeaux red blend), Major Series, the affordable Big Easy (Cabernet Sauvignon and red blend) and Proprietor’s – deliver iconic wines of characteristic style, exclusivity and generosity.
“When I look at how South African wines are performing both locally and internationally,” says van Blerk, “it’s clear we have what it takes to stand alongside the world’s best.”
She’s not alone in that assessment.
British Master of Wine and globally recognised oeno-journalist Tim Atkin claims, in fact, that South Africa is producing the greatest wines in its history.
ART OF THE AUCTION
When
buying art feels like a competition,
be sure to turn to the experts, writes KEITH BAIN
You’d be right to assume that something’s been a bit off with art sales recently. Last year, the biggest art-world moment was the borderline scandalous sale at auction of a banana, duct-taped to a wall, for the insane sum of R111-million. And, no, the wall was not included.
The buyer, a crypto investor who fancies himself as a bit of an art a cionado, later ate the banana, which was said to be a physical manifestation of Maurizio Cattelan’s conceptual art piece, Comedian.
Many might say that a duct-taped banana going for R111-million is not merely a travesty, but a sign of humanity’s despair – that rather than pay for genuine beauty and talent, the cool cats with deep pockets are merely messing about in memeland.
There is cause for concern. The latest Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market report, published in April, hammers home the fact that the world’s art market is cooling. While sales were brisk in the bounce-back year after the pandemic, global sales have slowed, contracting by 12 per cent (to $57.5-billion) in 2024 –the second consecutive year of decline (down from 2022’s $68.1-billion).
This should not, however, dissuade anyone from buying art or keep curious would-be collectors away from auctions. The trick – always – is to stick to your budget and only ever spend money on art that you genuinely crave, covet or love.
INTO BATTLE: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
If auctions are new to you, your framework for how they work will likely come from movie scenes, when – for the sake of comedy or drama – something inevitably goes wrong: an inadvertent bid thanks to a ridiculous hand gesture or a furious bidding war between rivals.
Don’t worry, real life’s a little different. For one thing, it’s not easy to make a bid by mistake. The famous auction rule – that you should “sit on your hands” – is really a gurative way of cautioning competitive types against making impulsive purchases triggered by the excitement of metaphorical battle with a fellow bidder. While you won’t accidentally buy a painting by scratching your nose, if you do bid for a piece and win, you will be legally liable to pay for it. Auction houses do not appreciate pranksters pretending to be bidders –nor do they look kindly on false bids that can’t be settled with cash.
The rules of engagement are simple, but bidding can re up the bloodlust and make you feel like you’re going into battle. This should not distract you into overspending, or from the golden rule: only bid for what you truly love. Unlike the huckster who bought a banana to impress his crypto bros, you should pay for art that you want to live with and will not regret – no matter the price.
Nowadays, you can protect yourself from the tension of a live auction by participating in online auctions. These are often multiday timed events where you place your bid and then wait, avoiding the pressure to perform or compete.
If you’re serious about art as an investment, use the expert services offered by reputable auction houses like Strauss & Co. They help prospective clients learn about the lots and artists. With experts who live to talk art, you can tap into their knowledge before attending one of the four annual live/virtual hybrid auctions or monthly timed online events. Strauss & Co has auctioned works by all the South African greats – from Pierneef and Kentridge to Irma Stern and Zanele Muholi – and it’s highly unlikely they’d ever consider auctioning a duct-taped banana.
THREE ART SHOWS TO CATCH THIS WINTER
WE, THE PEOPLE: 30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AFRICA, Norval Foundation, until 22 November Liese van der Watt has curated a group show using “countervisuality” to explore the notion that true democracy requires us to really find and be open to one another to engage in the difficult but necessary work of building a shared future. www.norvalfoundation.org
ONE MUST BE SEATED, Zeitz MOCAA, until 19 October
This solo exhibition is of original works and archive material collected by Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan whose focus is on reimagining the royal symbols of Akan chieftaincy. www.zeitzmocaa.museum
FNB ART JOBURG, Sandton Convention Centre, 5–7 September
The 18th edition of Africa’s longest-running contemporary art fair coincides with Open City, a city-wide cultural event, starting on 28 August and running for 16 days. artjoburg.com
In May, Strauss & Co was privileged to bring down the gavel on Vladimir Tretchikoff’s Lady from the Orient (1955), achieving R31 892 000 ($1 776 017).
This established a new world record for the Russian-born South African artist. The painting drew intense interest, culminating in a dramatic bidding contest between two highly motivated collectors that saw 89 bids placed. The sale was a landmark moment for the company.
Great results like these are never accidental. They are the outcome of careful strategy and sustained collaboration across our team. Over the past 15 years, Strauss & Co has developed into a full-service African auction house with a global reach. We have of ces in Cape Town and Johannesburg and representatives in numerous cities globally. The company has successfully hosted activations in Basel, London and Venice.
RARE WORKS REPATRIATED
Strauss & Co clients are international, and so too are the artworks we handle. Lady from the Orient, which forms part of a prized group of portraits produced after Tretchikoff settled in South Africa in 1946, was repatriated from the Caribbean ahead of the sale. Several other leading lots from the 27 May evening sale also returned to South Africa from abroad.
Imported works for the May sale included rare works by William Kentridge, Dylan Lewis and Anton van Wouw. Van Wouw’s Slegte Nuus, a scarce Nisini casting repatriated from Austria, was one of only two known examples. Kentridge’s 1985 drawing from his Masked Ball series arrived from Australia. Both lots performed exceptionally well. The van Wouw doubled its pre-sale estimate, selling for R2 516 250 (US$139 034).
Every consignment re ects months of work. The process begins after the initial valuation and negotiation and involves the safe return of works. Once the work is in hand, we initiate the
TAKING THE ART WORLD BY STORM
STRAUSS & CO is making headlines and breaking records with its import and auctioneering of rare international art
collaborative process of research and catalogue production. Our Cape Town and Johannesburg galleries are recon gured for each auction cycle. Strauss & Co hosts events, partners with media and works closely with collectors, curators and advisors to bring each work to life.
Tretchikoff’s Lady from the Orient required something more. Although widely known through print reproductions, the original had not been seen publicly in South Africa for decades. The artist’s 2011 retrospective at the South African National Gallery only featured a preparatory work. The original painting was presented at this year’s RMB Latitudes Art Fair, where the response from the public and collectors was extraordinary.
SOUTH AFRICAN MODERNISTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The South African market remains robust and diverse. The May sale saw strong bidding for early modernists such as Frans Oerder and Anton van Wouw, as well as their protégé JH Pierneef. Market momentum continues to build around black modernists George Pemba and Gerard Sekoto. Sekoto’s 1947 Self-Portrait
currently features prominently in Paris Noir, a major exhibition at the Centre Pompidou exploring post-war cosmopolitanism in the French capital.
South African modernism is enjoying renewed international recognition. In July, the Brücke Museum in Berlin will present the rst institutional survey of Irma Stern’s work in the city of her youth. Strauss & Co has supported this important exhibition by facilitating loans and logistics from major collections. Senior art specialist Dr Alastair Meredith has been invited to participate in a panel discussion at the museum on 12 July 2025.
Looking ahead, Strauss & Co is preparing for its agship live auctions in September and November, as well as the third edition of our increasingly successful international sale in October and the ongoing monthly online ART auctions. The company is currently inviting consignments and undertaking valuations.
For more information on upcoming auctions, valuations and events visit www.straussart.co.za
